Jol looks to strengthen squad

Martin Jol is once again prepared to turn to free agents to solve his mounting problems in midfield, and is understood to be interested in Nigel Reo-Coker, Thomas Hitzlsperger and Owen Hargreaves.

Having failed to properly reinforce the area after the exits of Danny Murphy, Dickson Etuhu and Mousa Dembele in the summer window, the Fulham boss then saw Mahamadou Diarra ruled out for up to six months with a knee injury.

That has resulted in both Steve Sidwell and Chris Baird filling in, with Jol also bringing out-of-contract Greek veteran Giorgios Karagounis to the club.

With growing talk of his interest in the trio, Jol confirmed that he would have no problem going back into the free agent market again.

"As you know, when there was an opportunity with Karagounis we did that," he said. "There was an opportunity last year with Diarra and we did that. If there's an opportunity to get a good player in we will do that."

Fulham currently have 22 names on their Premier League squad, meaning they can still add up to three free agents.